"Naruto" - Person Talking
'Naruto' - Person Thinking
"Naruto" - Summons/Bijū talking
"Naruto" - Summons/Bijū thinking
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu" - Jutsu
Hey guys, I got a short chapter here for all of you cool people. I've got the last of my midterms this week so I wanted to get something out for you all to read after that cliffhanger? so you wouldn't be bored while I'm crying over my tests. Nothing really happening this chapter, most of you will probably hate it and that's fine, I've kinda resigned myself to the hate. But there are a select few who will enjoy this and that's why I've worked extra hard to put out an extra chapter this week. I've got a ton of really sweet messages from you awesome people that I need to reply to. Again, this is really kinda a chapter that will change the genre of the story as I know it's been really kinda angsty and dark, so you'll either hate or love the genre shift; a little hint I've been reading a lot of comedy and I mean a lot. Again, love it or hate it, I kinda stopped caring. Well, that's enough outta me, you came to read right? Well, let's a go.
A Son Forgotten - Chapter 23
Never before did Naruto feel such awe and fear for a being then he did as he stood in front of White in the Chamber of the Elders, surrounded by the cold glares of the other Elders. Gulping he did his best to avoid looking nervous in front of the god-like being staring down at him, feeling like his very soul was being scrutinized. After a few agonizing minutes, White let out a breath that nearly sent Naruto flying if he didn't apply chakra to stick to the ground.
"Child... That injury, a human caused it correct?" White asked, Naruto stiffening up immediately at the sound of his voice.
"Y-Yes White-sama, I... I was overpowered and he took my eye." Naruto said, his tone becoming bitter and self loathing as he lowered his head to hide his features.
As he answered there was a murmur that went through the Elders, some sneering him for his weakness, other sighing as they knew he wasn't as strong as the other, and a few simply shaking their heads in shame. Jho and Tigrex were stone faced as they were also subjected to the jeers and snide comments of the other Elders, Naruto tightening his fists in frustration as he heard their comments.
"Silence." White said, the mountain shaking from his voice alone as the murmurs died immediately.
"Raise your head child, no one should bow their head in submission to the other without a proper battle." White said as Naruto nodded his head, hesitantly looking up to lock eyes with White, shivering as he felt his soul being prodded by his gaze alone.
"Child. For one to have been defeated in battle and crippled by a human after partnering with one of the Elders, it is a shameful and disgraceful display. The one you partnered, Tigrex, did you not think of the consequences your loss would have for him?" White asked, Naruto flinching before he slowly nodded his head.
"Yeah... I... I wasn't strong enough to beat that guy even after Tigrex's help,,." Naruto trailed off, unable to come up with anything else to add on as White frowned slightly.
"What of Tigrex's honor and pride as an Elder? Have you not tarnished it by losing to a human after he aided you in combat?" White asked, Naruto cringing at the question as he racked his brain for an answer.
"I don't know what I can do to remedy it White-sama... I'm weak, I've been "killed" and can't return to my home, and I've lost. I've lost absolutely everything..." Naruto said, unable to take the stress of being questioned by White as he started to break down, murmurs once again starting up in the crowd.
"There is one thing you can do child. In exchange for your life, Tigrex's honor and pride will be restored. Having a partner who is willing to give up their life for their partner is no doubt a dragon at heart." White said as Naruto's eye widened in surprise,
"I-Is that true?" He asked, White merely nodding in confirmation as Naruto turned to face Tigrex who had his eyes closed.
"...I'll accept White-sama, it's the least I can do. At least then I'll affect someone's life in a positive way." Naruto said as he steeled his resolve, White nodding his head as he turned to face the sky.
Taking a deep breath, he let out a concentrated beam of chakra that cut through sky in a beautiful display of white and crimson. As it reached the pinnacle of the heavens the tip of it expanded before exploding in a beautiful and terrifying shower of white and crimson particles. The sound of it exploding echoed across the land, making the heads of every inhabitant of Thousand Blade Mountain turn and proceed towards Absolute Island.
"Come. Let us go child." White said as he gestured to Naruto to get on his back, the blonde in a little bit of awe at being allowed such a privilege.
Then, with a small flap of his wings the two were sent up and out of the chamber as the rest of the Elders moved out of the room, Absolute Island their destination as well, Jho and Tigrex lingering behind a bit to stare at the spot that Naruto and White had stood, shaking their heads before heading out themselves. Up with Naruto and White they travelled in silence before White spoke.
"Child, have you enjoyed the life you've lived?" White asked, snapping Naruto out of his stupor as he lowered his head slightly.
"Honestly White-sama, I haven't all that much. Ryuu-niichan, Zabuza, Anko, Haku, Satsuki, Yakumo, Kin, and a few others were really the only people that I had any bonds with. And even them... They'll be a lot happier in the end without me." Naruto said, his voice trailing off in the end as White nodded his head.
"...You have suffered for long enough Child. I am not an omnipotent being nor I am a god, but I do have the power necessary to try and attempt to change fate as little as that might be." White finally said after a few moments of silence as Naruto tilted his head a little in confusion.
But before he could speak up, White suddenly shifted his body and before Naruto's eye another copy of himself and White split off from their bodies. Heading in the direction of Absolute Island they continued on their own way while White and Naruto headed towards World's End. Before Naruto could question White he sped up, Naruto nearly flying off as he felt his skin nearly remove itself from his body.
(Scene Change - Absolute Island: Outer Crater)
Gathered on the outer areas of Absolute Island were the inhabitants of Thousand Blade Island, dragons of all shapes and sizes lined the outer walls as they watched White descend from the heavens like a god. Landing gracefully, he scanned the area and nodded, Naruto hopping off his back as he moved to the center of the island. From above the eyes of a blue haired girl widened when she managed to make out his image, enhancing her vision with chakra.
"N-Naru-kun..." Tatsuko whispered, her eyes filled with fear and confusion upon seeing him in the execution ground.
"Mera, what is Naru-kun doing there? What's going on?" Tatsuko asked in a state of panic, Mera releasing a heavy sigh at her question.
"He's going to be executed Tatsuko, though it would be more appropriate to say he is trading his life." Meraginasu said as her eyes widened even more in confusion.
"W-What? Why? What did he do?" Tatsuko asked, firing off a volley of questions as Meraginasu had predicted.
"This is something he chose out of his own free will Tatsuko. He lost to a human, one that wasn't trained like you two were. You know that that is a taboo, shaming not only yourself but your partner as well. He's doing this to redeem himself and restore Tigrex's pride. A noble thing to do." Meraginasu said as Tatsuko's heart sunk to the lowest depths.
"Is... Is there anything that I can do?" She asked, already knowing the answer as Meraginasu shook his head in the negative.
"Allow him to do this Tatsuko. This isn't just for Tigrex but for himself, allow him to redeem himself. I know that you've picked him as your mate but he's also doing this for you. If you were his mate and he didn't choose to do this no doubt you would be treated lower then filth." Meraginasu added on as she simply nodded her head, a few tears falling from her eyes as Meraginasu tried his best to comfort her.
(Scene Change - Absolute Island: Inner Crater)
"Are you ready Child?" White asked as Naruto nodded his head with a confidence unlike anything he had portrayed before, White smirking slightly.
"Even though this is merely the physical manifestation of his spirit, for it to be this unyielding even in the face of mine... He is truly something else." White thought as he nodded, moving to address the dragons gathered around the crater.
"I thank you all for coming. We are here to see off this Child who wishes to redeem himself and his partner, Tigrex. Many of you may not know who this child is, though many of you do know who he is. This child, the younger brother of Ryuuhei Shirokin, is here to exchange his life in return for Tigrex's honor and pride. I see no reason to not accept such a selfless sacrifice, I assume you all agree as well?" White asked, the dragons around the outskirts of the crater nodding their heads as the bowed their heads once to Naruto, a show of respect for his action.
"Then. Let us begin." White said as he moved away from Naruto, staring at him as white and crimson electricity began arcing across his body.
"Honojiroi." White said as he tapped the ground with a claw charged with his Ryuuton chakra.
As soon as his claw pierced the ground, he sent his chakra through it as what could only be described as a pillar of raw energy erupted out from under Naruto. The pillar was a beautiful mix of white and crimson, tearing the heavens asunder as it shot upwards and continued for a few moments before fading away. As it vanished, there was nothing left of Naruto but a smoldering crater. Bowing his head, he honored his death as the rest of the dragons followed suit.
"May we meet again in the next world." White whispered before turning to address the audience gathered.
"For the exchange of his life, let it be known that Tigrex's partner was a selfless individual who no doubt had the soul and heart of a dragon. Let it also be known that his mate, the partner of Meraginasu and sister of Kaida Iwatodai, had a mate that transcended all others. May his soul travel safely to the other side." White announced, the dragons gathered bowing their heads once more in honor of the human before they were dismissed.
(Scene Change - Absolute Island: Outer Crater)
"Come Tatsuko. The best way for us honor your mate is to live our lives without regrets and strife." Meraginasu said, Tatsuko merely nodding her head as her bangs remained overshadowing her eyes.
As they left, only Jho and Tigrex were still standing by the crater. Turning to face the younger Elder, Jho let out a small chuckle upon seeing the normally arrogant and temperamental dragon so emotionally vulnerable. Tigrex was doing his best to not to shed tears, having had enough of the emotional baggage that came with having a partner.
"It is alright to shed tears Tigrex, even I shed a few tears." Jho said, trying to reassure the crimson dragon that it was fine to show a lapse in concentration.
"No, I will not. My partner faced White without so much as flinching as he died, I refuse to do anything other then just that." Tigrex snarled, though it was more of a pained grunt.
"Why did you not attempt to persuade Naruto to reconsider his decision? Surely you've grown out of your prideful phase." Jho asked Tigrex releasing a sigh as he looked at the smoldering crater.
"I will not go against the wishes of my partner. He was the one who helped me get past my idiotic shell of arrogance and pride. If this was his wish, I dare not go against it." Tigrex explained, Jho nodding in understanding.
"Come, let us return home. I'm sure we both could use some rest." Jho suggested, Tigrex merely nodding as they started the trek home.
(Scene Change - World's End)
Arrive at World's End, Naruto nearly lost consciousness from the sheer amount of energy radiating off of the desolate earth. Landing, even White was affected as he scanned the grounds with a saddened look in his eyes. Releasing a tired sigh, he moved towards the center of the ground as Naruto did his best not to succumb to the effects of the area as he emitted a layer of charka to shield himself from the aura of the oppressive area.
"Come Child. I will tell you the reason behind my actions." White said, Naruto nodded as he shakily made his way towards white.
When he finally reached the area White stood at his eye widened when he saw the skeletal remains of a dragon. Unable to believe such a thing actually existed, he turned to White was about to speak but held his tongue when he saw the look in his eyes. The self loathing, self hate and guilt that swirled in them nearly caused Naruto to break down in tears.
"...Those are the remains of my brother." White suddenly said, Naruto flinching upon hearing that the remains laying beneath him belonged to one of the "Three Gods".
"W-What happened to him?" Naruto asked though he kicked himself when he saw something flash in White's eyes, cursing himself for his idiocy.
"Do not worry Child, I am not angry... I am merely reminiscing. To answer your question, I killed him though it would be more accurate to say that I delivered a mercy upon him." White said as Naruto nodded his head slightly in understanding.
"The Virus, the same the affected Ryuuhei, his clan and now you caused him to lose all sense of who he was. We battled for a countless amount of time, even I just barely defeated him. In the end, he managed to regain enough of his sanity to avoid delivering a fatal blow against me, allowing me to end his life and free him of his suffering. I will never forget the words that he said as he laid dying at my feet." White said as he trailed off, lost in the memories of that battle.
(Flashback - Many Centuries Ago)
Standing in the center of World's End, A black dragon was standing above a white dragon, both covered in horrific wounds ranging from slash marks to gouges in their bodies. But even with all of the injuries that sustained, they still found the strength to converse with each other. Using their last few moments to reconcile their differences, and end their time together not as rivals but as brothers.
"Ha... Ha ha... Thank... You Brother... For the first time... In many years, my mind is free of the Virus' influence..." The white dragon said as the black dragon remained silent, internally grieving as he flashed him a bloody grin.
"Do not feel saddened... My Brother, you have saved me... You have saved this land... You have truly... Grown strong... I am proud of you my little brother..." The white dragon continued, the black dragon lowering his head as he willed himself not to shed tears.
"My brother... Now is the time. They have never needed your power more..." The white dragon said as he slowly raised his arm before gently placing the tip of his claw against the chest of the black dragon.
"Shine your divine light upon this broken and corrupted world. Let your heavenly rays become the hope as you guide them all." The white dragon said as a heavenly glow of white and crimson left its body and moved towards the black dragon before it was shrouded in a dense sphere of white and crimson chakra.
Soon the sphere began to contract before it condensed into a tiny sphere in front of a now white dragon, the dragon reaching out and gently taking the small sphere as the now gray dying dragon beneath him chuckled in a jovial tone.
"The ritual is now complete... My brother, you are now White and not simply Fatalis any longer... That gem which you hold is a zenith gem... Use it and perform a miracle worthy of its power... It appears that my time is up, remember White... May the blessings of the Gods protect you..." White's brother said before his flesh and blood turned to ash, scattering across the wind as White lowered his head.
"My brother... I thank you..." White said before he collapsed next to the skeletal remains of his brother, a single tear falling onto the zenith gem as it glowed with a warmth unlike anything in the world.
(Flashback - End)
"And I believe I have found the purpose of the gem." White said as he gently moved the skull of his older revealing a brilliant purple gem, glinting with an otherworldly glow in the light.
"Child... The hardships that you have had to endure, the strength and resolve you had to overcome them and the will and spirit you had to accept your own death for the sake of another. You truly have the heart and soul of a dragon, and for that I wish to bestow upon you a gift." White said as he held out the gem to the remains of his brother.
Gather his Ryuuton chakra, he feed it into the gem as it greedily drank up the godlike power flowing through it. Soon, it had changed from a bewitching purple to a brilliant crimson, shining like a small flame in White's claws. Then, White placed it onto the skull of his older brother before the gem began absorbing its remains, Naruto's eye widening upon seeing it do so. Finally, after a few of devouring bone and chakra, White held out a beautiful crimson gem.
"It... It looks like an eye..." Naruto said in awe, White simply smiling at him as Naruto blushed from seeing the mirth dancing in his eyes.
"My gift to you Child. Though, I will warn you. Should you accept this gift, you will lose everything that you hold dear. Your memories of those you created bonds with; those you loved, those who loved you. All of it will be a long forgotten memory once you take this eye into yourself. But, I wish that you do so. This will allow you a new life, a new beginning to start once more, without the hardships of your current life. In addition, accepting this eye will seal away a darker part of your mind, reducing you to a mere human once more. But... I believe that is for the better Child." White explained as Naruto's eye widened at the revelation.
"I can start over...? But... What if I need to protect someone or something? If I lose my power, it'll just be a repeat of what happened in that village." Naruto whispered as White simply chuckled in return.
"I said you would simply become human once more Child. I said nothing about losing your power, it is quite the opposite as you will gain the power and protection of my older brother and mine. I trust you with this gift because I believe in your strength of will and heart. You, Child, are not just any ordinary human. So I will ask once more, will you give up who you are now to begin anew?" White asked, Naruto stiffening for a few moments before raising his head to meet White's gaze.
"Will I still be able to protect those I cherish White-sama? Will I have to power necessary to protect the innocent?" Naruto asked, White smiling down at him and nodding his head.
"There will be a condition, but I feel that you will be able to overcome it." White said as Naruto straightened his back.
"Then, if I may, I accept your gracious gift White-sama." Naruto said, bowing deeply as White chuckled.
"Then so be it." White said, gently raising Naruto's head and removing the eyepatch with a surprising amount of gentleness and dexterity for a being so large.
Taking the newly created eye, he placed it into the empty socket as a sudden surge of pain ripped through Naruto, making him scream in agony as he clutched his head, his eyes wide open. The transplanted eye quickly began to merge with his optical nerves, creating and securing a solid pathway for transmission as Naruto regained the sight of his left eye. But soon, the seal acted up began to rapidly spread to the eye, the crimson and yellow eye becoming crimson and purple as White frowned.
"YOU WILL NOT PREVENT ME FROM CLAIMING THIS BODY YOU HATCHLING! DO NOT TEST ME!" A demonic voice roared through Naruto and White's mind, the dragon frowning as he recognized it.
"Even after being sealed away, he still has that much power not to mention the Virus is growing stronger." White said as he reached over and placed the tip of his claw on Naruto's forehead.
"Impossible! Your brother's soul should have been erased once the gem was formed! How is it possible for it to be here!" The voice roared once again, clearly irritated with the integration of another soul.
Applying a bit of his chakra, White immediately quelled the spread of the seal as it quickly returned back to its source, Naruto going limp in return. Nodding, White took the eyepatch from before and drew a seal on the inside of it for oppression and supremacy using his blood and chakra. Once he was finished he placed it back on Naruto, covering his new eye as he smiled a bit at the sleeping blonde.
"You damn hatchling... This will not save the child from my corruption... It is only a matter of time before I consume his soul and gain a vessel worthy of my inhabitation. HAHAHA! When the time comes, I will be free, no matter if it takes decade, a century or a millennia!" The voice cackled before being abruptly cut off when the eyepatch began to glow a stunning crimson and white.
"There, it is done. He will not be able to affect you so long as that remains on you and it will impede the spread of the Virus. Until your body gets used to your new eye and completely integrates it, my brother's will cannot aid in suppressing him, please do not remove it until then Child." White said as he gently took Naruto and took off.
Landing near an old portal, White took one last look at Naruto before a sad smile made it to his face. Tapping his forehead once more, he imbued him with more of his charka before he placed him on the portal. Activating it, he gave Naruto one lat gaze before closing his eyes, a smile on his face as he returned to his domain.
(Scene Change - Unknown Location: Riverside)
"Pwah!" Naruto suddenly gasped, scanning the area around him as he took in his surroundings.
"Huh? Where... Am I? Why am I in a river?" Naruto asked himself as he pulled himself out of the river, only to freeze when he felt something behind him.
Turning around, his eye widened when he saw a large bear staring down at him, obviously hungry from the way it was drooling. Taking a step back, he panicked when the bear took a step forward before another and another. Then it charged, letting out a hungry roar as rushed him down.
"D-Damn." Naruto cursed as bear began to charge him from up the river.
As it neared, instead of panicking even more his mind became strangely clear, as if it erased all unnecessary thoughts. And his confusion only grew when he saw the bear start to move in slow motion. As it lunged forward with its paw, intent on ripping his throat open, Naruto turned and watched as the paw soared harmlessly past him. Cocking his arm back, he lashed out and connected a brutal blow with the bear's ribcage, a snap echoing as it roared in pain. Pulling his arm back, he used the momentum built up to slam his shin into the abdomen of the bear, the beast reeling backwards. Falling to the ground, it turned and looked at him with fear filled eyes before turning and fleeing back into the forest.
"How... Did I do that...?" He asked himself as he watched the retreating form of the bear.
Staring with his eye wide open, Naruto looked at his hands before turning to look at his reflection, a little blown away with how he looked. Golden locks, a navy blue eye the other obscured with an eye patch. He looked pretty intimidating to say the least. But the thing that affected him the most was the fact he didn't recognize his face, nothing but a sea of blank pages as he tried to search his memories for any clue as to who he was.
"Who... Am I?" He asked himself, tilting his head as he reached for his eyepatch, a little nervous to see if he really was missing an eye.
"Do not remove that Child..." A deep voice bellowed in his mind, making him jump and look around the area for its source.
"H-Huh? I-I guess I shouldn't mess with it..." Naruto said as he moved to get out of the river.
When he got on shore, he got out of his wet clothes and hung them on a nearby branch to dry. Sitting on the riverside, he let his feet drop into the cool water as he let a sigh of content escape his lips, soon he found himself humming a strange tune that popped into his head. Looking over his body, he couldn't help but wince when he saw how scarred his body was, the only thing that he found on his person showing any signs of an identity being a book about cooking that had the name "Naruto" written inside of it.
"So... My name is Naruto, and I don't have a last name or a family as far as I can tell. Seeing as my body is this scarred and I know how to fight, I guess I used to be a fighter or something. And judging from the book, I like to cook. Huh, weird..." Naruto said as he turned over the book in his hands a few times before shrugging and opening it.
(Scene Change - Konohagakure: Konoha Strict Correctional Facility Maximum Security Cellblock)
Chaos. That was what the facility could only be described as while its inmates were running rampant in an attempt to escape. While a few of them did manage to leave the confines of the facility grounds, they were eventually apprehended by the Anbu who were dispatched to contain them. Soon, the situation outside of the facility was under control, leaving the inside the main point of interest as numerous squads had it surrounded. His eyes narrowed in anger, Minato was trying to calm himself from the growing fear of his son being in danger.
"Damn it. I knew I should've had him moved to the detention ward in the T&I Division." He cursed under his breath, kicking himself mentally for his decision.
"Minato-sama! We've breached the perimeter! Should we press on with the assault?" A voice spoke out though his headset, Minato wiping off the worried on his face for a more confident one.
"Yes, all units! We're taking this facility back!" He ordered, a unanimous roar of courage resounding as they moved to engage the inmates.
Charging in, they combined strength of the troops were more then enough to overpower the inmates who lacked the ability to use chakra. Slamming his fist into the side of an inmate who tried to tackle him from the side, Minato spun on the ball of his foot and connect his heel with the head of the inmate, sending him tumbling to the ground in an unconscious heap.
Soon, the chaotic situation was quelled after merely ten minutes, the tactical advantage and strength having been much more then the sealed inmates could handle. Rounding up the inmates, Minato was relieved to hear that only a few were injured and even less of his ninja were injured. But soon, Minato's heart shattered when he stumbled upon the cell belonging to his son.
Stopping in front of cell 107, Minato didn't do anything to stop the torrent of tears that fell down his face as he stared at the bloody and slashed form of his son, sitting against the wall of his cell lifelessly. His eyes wide, he slowly moved into the cell, the stench of death and blood doing nothing to impede his movement. Once he reached his son, he dropped to his knees and shakily reached out to check Naruto for a pulse.
"N-Naruto... Naruto wake up... It's ok, I'm here now. Your father's here." He said in a quiet tone, a broken smile on his face as the tears began to fall even harder then before.
"Guh!" He choked out a sob, pulling the corpse of his son into his chest and he let his sorrow out in full, the sound of his sobbing making a stampede of ninja rush to his location.
"Minato-sama! What's wro-" Zabuza shouted, but it was abruptly cut of when he caught sight of the lifeless blonde in his leader's arms.
"N-No... T-That can't be..." Zabuza whispered, tears welling up in his eyes as well, the bandaged man's arms dropping to his side.
"W-What's wrong Zabuza?" Anko asked in a scared tone, never having seen her lover in such a state.
Turning and following his gaze she felt her heart shatter into a million pieces when she caught sight of her student. His eye closed and his face peaceful, it looked like he was just deep in sleep, but the blood splattered on him and the way Zabuza and Minato were breaking down indicated otherwise.
"N-Naruto..." Anko whispered her own tears making their way down her face as she dropped to her knees, proceeding to bury her face in her hands as she started sobbing.
They were soon joined by the rest of the squads that were scouting the rest of facility for any stragglers, only to have their hearts drop and break when they caught sight of the tragic scene in front of them. It appeared that there was a casualty, and one who had a greater impact on them then any other inmate in the facility.
(Time Skip - A Few Hours Later)
(Scene Change - Konoha: Village Center)
Heartbreak, confusion, anger and above all else sorrow was almost palpable it was so great. Standing before the entirety of the village, Minato had announced the death of his eldest son. At first, there was an uproar of confusion, many claiming it was a hoax to divert their attention away from the fact he was imprisoned for an unjust cause that wasn't his own. But after hearing that he died during an attempted prison riot, their doubts quickly fell.
After hearing about his wounds, the way he was found dead in his cell and in front of a large amount of inmates, their respect for him rose as he died fighting. Lowering their heads, the village offered a moment of silence for the fallen blonde, a prodigy who departed far too early from the world. For a select few though, their sobs could be heard echoing across the village as they tried to cope with the loss of their beloved.
"Within the week... We'll be holding his funereal service..." Minato bitterly choked out before moving off the stage, not that anyone could blame him.
"I'm sorry Minato, but this was for the best of Konoha..." Danzo whispered as he offered his respects for the young blonde, a little sympathetic that someone so talented and young was a danger to his village.
(Scene Change - Konoha: Uzumaki-Namikaze Household)
Inside of the Uzumaki-Namikaze household the sounds of numerous people sobbing echoed loudly through the house. Mito, Narumi and Kushina were huddled together as they let their sorrows out, unable to believe that fate was so cruel as to rip away someone they loved. Menma was quietly sobbing into his arms as he laid face first on top of the counter. Their godparents were sorrowful, having shed a few tears for their godson.
"I-I never even got to explain why I was scared of him..." Mito sobbed out, Narumi squeezing her tighter as she heard her comment.
"N-Neither did I Mito-nee..." Narumi sobbed as well, Kushina squeezing her daughters tightly as Minato entered the household.
After having had to steel himself for the past few hours, he finally broke down as his family moved to embrace him. Sharing the sorrow that he felt as they mourned over the loss of their brother, son and godson. No matter how distance, cold and unfeeling he acted, he was their family.
(Scene Change - Konoha: Momochi Household)
With the Momochi household Haku had sobbed herself to sleep, Zabuza drinking heavily as Anko tried to stop him from destroying his liver. Having had enough, she grabbed the bottle and shattered it, Zabuza getting agitated before roughly grabbing her by the shoulder. Glaring into her eyes as she glared back. But soon both his glare and hold softened considerably before he rested his head into the crook of her neck, doing everything in his power to prevent his sobs from breaking out.
"That damn brat..." Zabuza choked out, Anko's own tears falling as she pressed her lips on top of her beloved's head.
"I miss him too Zabuza..." Anko whispered as they savored the warmth the other provided.
(Scene Change - Konoha: Uchiha Estate)
In the Uchiha estate, Satsuki was sobbing into her pillow as she did everything in her power to stop her family from hearing her in her moment of weakness. It failed though when her mother entered her room and sat on the edge of her bed. Mikoto's heart breaking seeing her strong daughter in such a devastated state, she reached out tenderly and touched her daughter's shoulder as Satsuki moved and latched onto her mother's waist, sobbing loudly as Mikoto simply held her as she cried her heart out, Mikoto's own tears slipping down her face.
(Scene Change - Konoha: Kurama Household)
With Yakumo she was crying into her hands as her mother and father tried to comfort her. She may not have been as bold as the others for his affections but she loved them just as much if not more then they did. Her parents frowning, they held her closer as her cries increased to sobbing as she surrendered to their embrace, unable to believe that something like this had happened to someone she felt so strongly about.
(Scene Change - Konoha: Kin and Tayuya's Apartment)
"Why..." Kin whimpered as she did her best to keep her sobs from breaking out, hiccupping as Tayuya held her close to her chest.
"I'm so sorry Kin..." Tayuya whispered to her, holding her close as her friend buried her face deeper into her chest.
After regaining some fragments of her memory back, most of which involved the golden haired, navy eyed boy who died, Kin felt nothing but an emptiness as all hope for recovering her memories were shattered before they really began. Tayuya kissing her head, Kin looked up with teary eyes before Tayuya gave her a reassuring and sad smile, Kin simply burying her face deeper into her friend's chest as they remained in an intimate embrace for the night.
(Scene Change - Unknown Location)
"Maybe I've been given a chance to start over..." Naruto whispered as he finished reading the cookbook for the sixth time.
"I used to be a fighter and I've probably done some horrible things, so this might be a chance to let go of my past and become the chef I've always wanted to be..." Naruto said in a more confident tone as he stood up.
"Yeah, goodbye Naruto the Fighter and hello Naruto the Chef." He said in a determined tone as he stood up and dressed himself, though for some reason he noticed that his facial expressions never really did match up with his inner thoughts, always set in a blank or deadpan expression.
"Must be second nature I guess, you have to keep a poker face when you're in a fight." Naruto said to himself as he put on the clothes he appeared in, taking note that he really did look like a fighter of some kind.
Stretching, he massaged the knots and kinks that set into his body after having been sitting for a few hours. turning his gaze towards the horizon and the setting sun, he started on his new journey, a world of culinary wonders awaiting him as a small smile appeared on his face at the prospect of a new life without conflict.
"Yeah... This feels like it's going to be a much better life then whatever I did in the past." He whispered in a fond tone as he slung his bag over his shoulder, heading east.
(Time Skip - A Week Later)
(Scene Change - Konoha: Cemetery)
Gathered in black in Konoha's Cemetery, a large number of people had arrived for the burial of the eldest son of their Kage. Many were silently crying as they watched their broken hearted Kage say his final farewells to his son, the rest of his family and friends doing the same as well. One by one, they moved to the young man in the casket and offered a few words before placing a flower and departing.
"Brat... I swear if I see you again I'm going to kill you... After all we've been through you die at the hands of a bunch of scumbags? It's laughable really. Naruto... I never got to tell you this but... I did think of you as my son. I would have loved for you and Haku to have gotten together, to have gotten married and for you two to have given me a few grandchildren. But I guess that's all a pipe dream now huh? I hope you're happy where you are now Naruto, and I hope that I'll have washed away enough of my sins to join you there." Zabuza prayed as he placed down a red camellia.
"I can't believe you died before me Gaki... What am I supposed to do with Satsuki and Yakumo now? Without you, our whole team falls apart... Why? Why did you have to die? Zabuza and I had plans to get you and Haku together so you could have your own kids so I could spoil them rotten. You left a lot of people hurting Naruto, myself included. I know you may not have thought this way, but I felt like I was your second mom in a way and you were a son to me. I never thought I'd get so attached to you, or that you would bring me and the most wonderful guy together simply by being a part of the squad I was assigned. Naruto, where ever you are I hope you're happy and smiling. Until then, wait for us ok?" Anko prayed as she set down a purple cactus flower.
"... I was going to ask if you wanted to go out on a date with me once you got back from your mission Naruto-kun. It hurts so much, knowing that I could have had a chance at a happy life with you together with Tou-san and Anko-san. Those two were even talking about grandchildren, can you believe them? But who am I to talk Naruto-kun, I would have loved to raise a son and daughter with tou, but now I'll never have that chance huh? Naruto-kun, I love you. Should we meet again in the next life, perhaps we can have our own happily ever after." Haku prayed as she kissed the snow colored primrose before setting it down gently.
"You idiot! How dare you just go off and die like that! Do you know how much of a moron you are! How much of a complete and utter idiot you are! How much I loved you! Do you know how much my hearts right now you stupid blonde! Why, why did you of all people have to be there when that riot broke out? Why did they have to kill you Naruto-kun? Why did you leave me? My mom teased me about having blonde haired, Sharingan eyed grandchildren a few days ago you know. At first I hated the idea of that, but soon... I wonder, would I have been a good wife to you? I wonder, would you have been happy to have me by your side? Who would our kids take after? But, those are just what if's now... Naruto-kun, where ever you are, could you do me a favor and look after me? I know it's selfish but, could you please? And before I go, I wanted to tell you that I love you. And I wish I was brave enough to have told you before you left me." Satsuki prayed before setting down a yellow tulip.
"Naruto-kun... Why was it you? What about our team? How are we supposed to be the best and all make chūnin together now that you're gone? Even more so, how do I show you that love you now that you're gone? I'm sorry that I was a coward Naruto-kun, that I didn't at least tell you how I felt before you left us. I wonder though, would you have given me, given us a chance? I'm not the most beautiful, the smartest, the most talented or the most ideal girl for someone. Would you have cared? Would you have let me hold your hand or kiss you? Though, I can only wonder now. Looking back, I was usually the one to stay in the background, opting to allow you or Satsuki to take the lead while I provided support for the two of you. If I could, I wish I was able to go back and change that. If I did, maybe I would have been able to express my feelings to you. Naruto-kun, I love you. I love you so much. I hope you're smiling and happy where you are now. Please, wait for me?" Yakumo prayed before she set down yellow camellia.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun... I'm sorry that I forgot who you were and my feelings that I had for you. I can't believe it... I just can't believe it... As soon as I remember who the person what that I loved, fate decides to take you away from me. I don't know what to do Naruto-kun... My memories are nothing but a bunch of blank pages, and the only memories that I have are of you. I... I wish that we were able to make new memories together, but that's just a dream now isn't it. Naruto-kun, thank you for finding me before you left that night. I love you, and I hope to see you again in the next life. Until then, wait for me ok?" Kin prayed before setting down white camellia.
"Niisan... why? We made up and we were supposed to be the strongest duo in the history of shinobi. I still can't believe that you died. I swear Niisan, I'll become the strongest shinobi alive and the next time we meet you'll be looking at me with pride. I only wished that you would there to watch me grow and become stronger, but I guess that's just a pipe dream now huh? I know that you'll be looking out for me and for our family from where ever you are. For now, rest ok? You deserve all the sleep in the world." Menma prayed before placing down an orange daffodil.
"Naruto-nii I just wanted to say that I'm sorry... I'm sorry for how I acted after that mission ended. Instead of being glad that it was over and that you protected Narumi and I, I acted like you were a monster. I was scared, I was scared that you would stop being the Naruto-nii that I loved and would become a monster. In the end you left me and probably thought that I thought you were a monster. But that's not true, not at all. I love you Naruto-nii and I miss you so, so much. I know it's wrong but I loved you a little more then a little sister should have. Naruto-nii, maybe in the next life we won't be brother and sister? Maybe then we can be something a little more. I hope that you're happy where you are Naruto-nii, and that you'll forgive me." Mito prayed before placing a yellow tulip down.
"Naru-nii, h-how are you? I'm doing fine... I'm sorry Naru-nii. I'm sorry that I've been nothing but a good-for-nothing little sister. I treated you like you were a monster after you saved me and Mito-nee. I've done nothing but wrong you but you've always found it somewhere in your heart to forgive me, even when you didn't show it. Naru-nii, I'm going to do it... I'm not going to be scared and hide who I am, even if people don't approve all that matters is that I'm happy right? Naruto-nii, if we weren't brother and sister I think I would have honestly and truly fallen in love with you. But that's not to say that I don't love you, because I love you the most out of everyone you know. So Naru-nii, can you give me a little bit of your courage and continue to watch over me?" Narumi prayed before playing down a pink rose.
"This can't be happening... I can't be doing this Naru-chan, please just open your eyes and show me that your just sleeping... I can hope can't I? Naru-chan, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I've completely failed you as a mother and as a protector. I should've be doing this, I shouldn't be burying you while you're so young, I shouldn't be burying you at all. Why? Why wasn't I able to do anything that could be remotely considered motherly? I know that all I'm saying are empty words to you Naru-chan, they've always been haven't they? I've always talked about how I was going to be the greatest mother that ever lived and how I was going to make up all those years of neglect and isolation that you lived through, but what happened in the end? I failed to do anything of the sort, I've failed to show you that I really did love you. I'm sorry Naru-chan, I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. Just rest ok? I hope you'll let me be your mother in the next life, I know it's a horrible thing for me to ask for after this one but I promise I won't make the same mistake twice. So, for right now sleep and rest. You deserve it Naruto." Kushina prayed before placing a crimson colored cactus flower on the casket.
"I've failed... I've completely and utterly failed you Naruto... I can't even begin to list off my failures, there's just too many to name. Why? Why didn't I simply move you to the detention ward instead of a facility housing some of Konoha's most dangerous criminals who were also ninja? What happened that day wasn't your fault, it was the thing inside of you and I should have treated it as such. But instead I imprisoned you, my own son, like you were at fault. Naruto, I can't even think of any words to properly say how sorry I am to have caused you such sorrow and agony. How much suffering did you have to live through? How much pain did my mistakes cost you? I'm so sorry Naruto, I really have no right to call you my son do I? Every time I took a step forward, I wound up taking three back. All I can say is that I hope you get some much deserved rest Naruto. I hope that in the next life, you will still let me call you my son. Thank you for everything you've done Naruto, just rest now." Minato said as he placed a white chrysanthemum down.
With all the words and prayers finally finished, the casket was lowered into the ground as the sight gave way to a new wave of fresh tears and sobs. Wrapping an arm around his wife, Minato brought her in close as Kushina did her best not to let the sobs that desperately wanted to escape out of her throat. Zabuza doing the same for Anko, the two opted to let a small ghost of a smile grace their features, knowing that now he could get the rest he deserved. Mito, Menma and Narumi steeled themselves as their tears fell silently, stifling the sobs that wanted to leave them. Satsuki and Yakumo were holding the other's hand, squeezing softly to reassure the other as they sniffled. Kin was being embraced by Tayuya as she let her tears fall freely.
With that, the life of Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze came to an end. A hero, a savior, a brother, a friend, a loved one and above all else, a shinobi of Konoha.
(Scene Change - Unknown Location)
"This sucks..." Naruto muttered under his breath as he hung upside down from a rope trap attached to a tree.
"Well, least it can't get any worse." Naruto sighed out as he moved to try and dislodge himself from the trap only to freeze when the sound of footsteps and something dropping made it to his ears.
"Should've knocked on wood..." Naruto muttered once more as he turned to face the source of the noises, a girl his age looking at him in shock while an older stoic looking man simply stared at him with a steely gaze.
"WE CAUGHT A HUNK JIJI!" She suddenly squealed with hearts in her eyes as her grandfather's mouth twitched for a second.
"BWHAHAHA! T-That's hilarious! How many years has it been since someone actually got trapped like that!" He said as he wiped the tears away from the corners of his eyes, holding his aching sides as Naruto's eye twitched before he shut it.
"I really need to keep my mouth shut..." He sighed as they continued laughing and ogling him.
A Son Forgotten
And that's that. A little heads up, Naruto can still use jutsu and chakra and the like, he's just a lot more carefree and expressive now and of course a chef. That's not to say he's weak, he's even more broken then he was now that he's got the power of two god-like dragons flowing through him, including a "soul eye". From this point until a certain moment it'll probably be an adventure/comedy following the journey of not Naruto the Shinobi but Naruto the Chef, filled with action, adventure, romance and comedy. Again, love it or hate it I kinda stopped caring. Well, you awesome people know what to do. Till next time, stay awesome.
Honojiroi - Dimly White: No Rank, Ninjutsu; A jutsu used by White. An absolute kill jutsu on anything below his level of power, which is nearly everything in existence. By channeling Ryuuton chakra to his claw he digs it into the ground before discharging the chakra built up. Instead of an explosion, the resulting discharge of volatile is force upwards, piecing the heavens and all that stands in its path of absolute annihilation. A relatively simple technique that is said to be the weakest of his jutsu.